Celebrity Transformations Helen Mirren's Beauty Evolution From 1969 to Now Here are 20 of her most swoon-worthy looks spanning her 50-year career. By Krista Carter Krista Carter Krista Carter is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience working in beauty and fashion. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on January 9, 2023 @ 09:22AM Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Throughout her career, Helen Mirren has entertained us with screen-grabbing roles in films including The Queen, Gosford Park, and The Last Station; but it's when the iconic star does the unexpected — like sucking helium with a late-night host, admitting to a little schoolgirl crush on a certain action star, or taking public transportation — that her just-like-us appeal becomes downright irresistible. When it comes to fashion and beauty, Mirren is a 10 out of 10. As a septuagenarian, she's a stunner on the red carpet and still experiments with style. We were especially taken with the silver sequined gown and matching headband that she donned at the Venice Film Festival — but it's not just in formalwear that she turns heads. At Cannes, the actress had us coveting her cool off-duty style when she stepped out in the internet's favorite $79 sneakers. To see her many stunning looks over the years, scroll through the Oscar-, Emmy- and Tony-winning actress in photos below. 01 of 21 1969 Everett Collection Born July 26, 1945, Mirren starred in one of her first films as a teenaged artist's muse in Age of Consent. Blonde, bronzed, and beautiful, she won the hearts of spectators — and the attention of Hollywood's biggest players. 02 of 21 1979 Mirrorpix/Courtesy Everett Collection With her untamed mane of curls and kohl liner, Mirren played sexually charged roles in Hussy and the controversial Caligula. "It was like being well paid to visit a nudist colony," she once joked. 03 of 21 1984 Mirrorpix/Courtesy Everett Collection Mirren sported a very Princess Di side-swept shag while performing on the London stage in Invitation. To accompany her royal-esque mane, she went with a "no-makeup" makeup look highlighting her natural beauty. 16 Princess Diana Fashion Trends That Are Still Cool in 2022 04 of 21 1992 Michael Grecco/Getty Images The actress's fame grew playing Detective Jane Tennison on the murder miniseries Prime Suspect. Her dangerous look included matte red lips, a sleek short cut, and a new tattoo of a Native American symbol meaning "equal but opposite." 05 of 21 1997 Ron Galella/WireImage She wore a feathered hat she called "my bird's nest" to pick up her Golden Globe for Losing Chase. Joan Rivers and others panned the look, causing Mirren to quip, "I'm going to wear garbage bags from now on." 06 of 21 2001 Starstock/Photoshot/Everett Collection The Gosford Park star sported a short crop with piecey fringe for the BAFTAs. To get her hair's texture and shine, apply a product like Kristin Ess Fragrance Free Texturizing Paste. 25 Pixie Cuts for Any Face Shape 07 of 21 2003 Fitzroy Barrett/Globe Photos Inc. A bona fide sex symbol after her bare-it-all role in Calendar Girls, Mirren hit the Golden Globes with curly tendrils and bold crimson lipstick. A swipe of rouge across the cheeks is all it takes to get her natural flush. 08 of 21 2005 Dave Hogan/Getty Images "Who has ever played the two Elizabeths in a lifetime, let alone in the same year?" asked the regal star of The Queen and Elizabeth II. Away from the palace(s), she wore her crowning glory in a retro pompadour. As for that red lip, it's crimson perfection. 09 of 21 2007 dpa/Landov The actress had every reason for radiance over the course of the year; she scooped up an Oscar, an Emmy, and a pair of Golden Globes. And what better way to capture the celebratory moment than with a fun and flirty bob? Your Definitive Guide to Every Type of Bob Haircut 10 of 21 2010 Valerie Macon/Getty Images With her sleek gray-blonde sombré bob, soft smoky eye, and full fuchsia lips, the Red lead is hotter than ever. We're also loving the side-swept curtain bangs she's got going on. Their lash-grazing length really brings the focus to her eyes. The 8 Most Popular Types of Bangs 11 of 21 2012 Rex Mirren wore her silver strands in a sleek updo at the Golden Globes. To keep it from looking too severe — and to add some volume — her stylist teased a few pieces up top. Complete with a petal pink lip, the look is utterly romantic. 12 of 21 2013 Chelsea Lauren/Getty Images Mirren flattered her features with soft, natural shades at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. If you're sprouting grays or transitioning to gray, blonde hair is a great color base since it allows for a more subtle switch. Using Semi-Permanent Hair Color to Transition to Gray — What to Know 13 of 21 2014 Fred Duval/FilmMagic The actress showed off her sparkling diamonds with a face-framing updo. By lining both her upper and lower lid, she achieves a sultry stare that we're still swooning over. To get the look, try something like Haus Labs Optic Intensity Eco Eyeliner in Black Onyx. 14 of 21 2015 Jim Spellman/WireImage The red carpet star exudes elegance with her sleek crop. If you're dealing with fine or thin hair, ask your stylist for long layers since they will help to create natural volume. 15 of 21 2015 Todd Williamson/WireImage Upon arriving at the Toronto International Film Festival premiere for Eye in the Sky, Mirren's hair and makeup were perfectly on-point. At 70, she is as youthful as ever. Good genes? Yes. Impeccable anti-aging skincare routine? Absolutely. 16 of 21 2016 Anthony Harvey/Getty Images Mirren, with her hair cut into a choppy-chic bob, looked gorgeous while attending the U.K. premiere of Eye In The Sky in London. This is her take on a short modern shag and we're taking notes. A simple pink lip gloss is all she needs to add a pop of interest. 12 Ways to Wear a Shag Haircut With Bangs 17 of 21 2017 Pascal Le Segretain/Getty The acclaimed actress stepped out in Monaco looking glam with an edgy cropped cut and a bright maroon lip. As for her eyebrows? Talk about amazing arches. The Best Eyebrow Shaping Techniques, Straight from Experts 18 of 21 2019 Dave J Hogan / Getty Images Dame Helen Mirren is the picture of perfection attending "The Good Liar" World Premiere at BFI Southbank in London. Her sleek crop and side-swept bangs prove why she's one of our favorite short-hair muses. 19 of 21 2021 Samir Hussein / WireImage When Mirren stepped out at the 74th Annual Cannes Film Festival, jaws dropped. Her mussy updo is elegant yet effortless. A glossy pink lip stain and a bit of liner follow her less-is-more approach to beauty. 20 of 21 2022 Amy Sussman / WireImage Mirren is pretty in pink as she attends the 28th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. The English Rose nails the monochromatic color trend, even including an accessory that Blair Waldorf would approve of. 21 of 21 2022 Daniele Venturelli / WireImage We're calling this look "Silver Swan." Mirren's slicked-back half-up, half-down hair, and tantalizing cat-eye made her the talk of the town — in a very, very, good way — at this year's Cannes film festival. It's a showstopper.